The Best OTC Drug for Canker Sores

Without question, the best over the counter drug treatment I have personally experienced for Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores) is the amino acid Lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid that is a necessary building block for all protein and can be purchased very easily over the counter.

I will get into detail regarding Lysine but a little about Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores). A canker sore is a small, very uncomfortable ulcer that appears on the gums, the lips, the tongue, or on the inside of the cheeks. If you tend to get these, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The ulcer will usually begin as a red ulcerated spot with a whitish border. It then becomes covered by a yellowish mixture of fluids, bacteria, and white blood cells. The start of the sore may also be accompanied by a burning sensation.

Canker sores will vary in size. They can be as small as a pin head or as large as a quarter. They often come on rather quickly and can leave just as quickly but may last anywhere from one to five weeks. During this time they are very painful and make drinking, eating, and talking quite difficult.

Depending upon which expert you reference, some believe these ulcers are contagious while others think differently. The fact remains that they tend to occur more frequently with females than with males. They seem to be brought on by a number of different sources. Some of the triggers that may bring on an ulcer might be stress or fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, viral infections, or even trauma to the inside of the mouth. Whatever the cause, these ulcers are very painful and uncomfortable.

Living with these canker sores has forced many to seek professional guidance from their doctors for relief and a cure. My experience with prescriptions has not provided me with any relief. The only form of relief I've achieved has been from taking Lysine. This is only my opinion based on personal experience. I am not a doctor nor do I claim to be.

The product Lysine is an amino acid and can be purchased over the counter at any health store. This amino acid aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, enzymes, and with tissue repair. As stated, it is useful in fighting off cancer sores. When taking this supplement, it is suggested to take it with vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and a B complex for better absorption. Do not drink milk when taking, use a juice or water. Normally, it is recommended to take 500 mg three times a day on an empty stomach at a minimum.

Lysine is an essential amino acid. It is not manufactured in the body so sufficient amounts need to be supplemented. If you prefer to use natural food sources rather than the supplements, you can find lysine in cheese, eggs, fish, lima beans, potatoes, red meat, and soy products.